Steve Berry's fictional work The Amber Room is especially fascinating because it is based on the existence of a man made marvel and World War II mystery the site of which you can actually visit in Russia. The book is a mystery thriller, set in the world of art and based loosely on the true story of the Amber Room, which legend says the Nazis took when they invaded the Soviet Union.
I was particularly interested in The Amber Room because I had the opportunity to visit the port of St. Petersburg, Russia, for two days on a cruise. St. Petersburg was my favorite port and it was while on a cruise ship excursion to the truly resplendent Catherine's Palace in Tsarkskoe Selo that I learned of the existence and saw first hand The Amber Room.
The Amber Room that we visited that day in Catherine's Palace is actually a replica of the original Amber Room, recreated by Russia and Germany after the war because the original room is still missing. However, even this replica of the original room was beautiful as I suppose it should be since it cost $6 million dollars to create.
This book was interesting and entertaining but be warned that it also contained violence, sex and profanity. With regard to profanity, Berry has since said that this is his only book that has excessive profanity. He said, "It was an experiment, as there's a character in that story who says just about anything. He was fun to write but I learned that excessive profanity is not all that necessary." In any case, I am sure that this book would be rated R, if they rated books in the same way that they rate movies. If it had been a movie, it would have probably been too violent for me although the idea of this book as a movie is actually intriguing.
If you can tolerate the issues, I do recommend this book. I have since enjoyed many more Steve Berry novels. If you are a reader and looking for a new author to 'consume,' do check him out. The Amber Room and his other novels are available in all formats from hardcover through to Kindle. You can click here to order your copy of The Amber Room from Amazon.
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda
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How fascinating that you've been to the replica of the room in question! Sounds like a very interesting read.
ReplyDeleteIt was a beautiful room. I cannot begin to imagine what the original must have been like nor how it was put together. There are actually non-fiction books about the amber room.
DeleteGreat review. Isn't it fun to read about places you've actually seen? Thanks for for filling in for me today.
ReplyDeleteIt is, Barbara!
DeleteYou are welcome; that's my job.
This really is an excellent review! I couldn't help but think what I would do with 6 million dollars! lol The book might not be for me, but I definitely think my husband would like it and probably my dad too.
ReplyDeleteYes, Steve Berry is definitely a man's writer, Miss Mouse
Delete.
We could have a party with 6 million -- maybe meet up with our online friends!
I've read about the Amber Room in the past. Interesting to see a fiction story written about it. It must have been so interesting to see the actual replica in Russia.
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed. I'd love to go back.
ReplyDelete